Waterparks and Sprayparks

SPRAYPARK

aximizing play value
and respecting age-appropriate activity are important elements of
any spraypark. This Dream Facility takes that maxim to the extreme,
providing younger toddlers a place to explore water in a
non-threatening environment while giving older kids plenty of
exciting options.

The fun starts in
the toddler interactive zone. Here, zero-depth water-play elements
provide a great way for even the youngest children to get
comfortable with water elements. They can enjoy the gentle spray of
water on their faces without a surprise element. Keeping things
closer to the ground allows the kids to interact with the
components as well as with the water.

In addition, younger
children like uncomplicated things. They often end up playing with
the box in which a toy came, longer than with the actual toy. At
this park, simple and recognizable elements are incorporated into
the design in the form of crayons, pencils and paintbrushes with
spraying nozzles along the whole component, not just from the top.
A single spray from above is not enough to occupy them for long.
Observe any spraypark and you’ll notice children playing and
touching the water in different directions.

The musical
components included in this design are perfect for the pint-size
group. The grade-level keyboard allows a small child to interact
directly with the water and be rewarded with fun, whimsical sounds
or songs. The larger Tuney Tube is equally as exciting for the
taller child able to reach the nozzles on this 6-foot-tall,
larger-than-life component.

The older crowd
needs a more active and interactive environment to keep them
entertained. This design includes spilling larger volumes of water
from above. To avoid knocking over a small child on a hard surface,
the water falls into a shallow depth water-play park. Slides,
always the busiest component in a park, can be a great meeting
place to make new friends while waiting a turn. Water cannons allow
them to spray their newfound friends, while interactive “wet
wheels” let them control the water flow on giant flowers.
Cooperative play components also help foster relationships and
collaborative play, teaching kids essential life skills while
they’re having fun.

Component and nozzle
selection are integral dynamics of any well-designed park. A
12-year-old is not going to be terribly interested in a small,
gently “popping” ground spray, but a 2-year-old will
sit and giggle with delight even after the small ball of water has
shot out of the ground for the 20th time. Conversely, a 2-year-old
cannot comprehend the cooperative play elements found in some of
the interactive features. Selecting lower flow nozzles for the
tot’s area just makes sense.

Because any family
facility should be inclusive, this park also is designed to be
relaxing for parents or caregivers as they watch their children.
Comfortable seating, tables and beverage facilities are placed
strategically within eyesight of the children. A zero-depth
component to the water-play park ensures that no one is left out.
Suitable grading requirements and space planning enable easy
maneuverability for a wheelchair, making large parts of this design
ADA-compliant.

Such a Dream
Facility gives parents a place to bring their toddlers. The repeat
business from each child will pay off over the next decade, and the
cycle most likely will continue. Such a tradition will benefit our
children and communities in a healthier, family-inclusive
environment for generations to come.